Independent chair steps down

IRENE Walker, chair of the Lingo Community Benefit Forum,has stepped down from her post due to an alleged campaign against her.

Ms Walker was appointed independent chair by West Coast Energy, which plans to create a wind farm consisting of five 100-metre high turbines on land north of the B940 road between Largoward and Dunino.

Her suitability had been questioned, as she is vice-chair of Elmwood College which is in discussions with the energy company over setting up a ‘joint working’ arrangement.

Steve Salt, West Coast Energy planning and development director, said he was “disappointed” that a “negative and sustained campaign by a number of individuals” had forced Ms Walker to leave her post, but added he supported her decision.

Martin Dibley, member of the Royal Burghs of Kilrenny, Anstruther and Cellardyke Community Council, will chair the forum until a permanent chair is appointed at the group’s next meeting on March 7.